Testing Requirements: Grades 6 and Below
Applicants who are currently enrolled in grades 6 and below need to submit a College Placement Test (SAT, ACT, or PSAT). Davidson Academy determines eligibility based on grade level, regardless of age.
A complete testing report must be submitted with your application for an application to be complete and considered. Late testing reports will not be accepted or considered.
The Davidson Academy is not able to consider applicants currently enrolled in 3rd grade or below at this time as the Davidson Academy is a middle school and high school.
For Grades 4 and 5: Optional Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
4th and 5th graders may submit an out-of-level ITBS score in place of a College Placement Test.
College Placement and Talent Search Test Requirements
College Placement Testing Scores must be current from tests administered in the past year. 4th and 5th Graders must meet the testing criteria for 6th graders if electing to submit a College Placement or Talent Search Test.
SAT/PSAT
Davidson Academy accepts the following SAT and PSAT tests:
Qualified applicants must provide scores that meet or exceed the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) or Math or Combined scores as indicated in the following tables.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
| SAT | Grade 6 |
|---|---|
| EBRW | 630 |
| Math | 650 |
| Total | 1280 |
PSAT 8/9
| PSAT 8/9 | Grade 6 |
|---|---|
| EBRW | 600 |
| Math | 570 |
| Total | 1140 |
PSAT 10 & PSAT/NMSQT
| PSAT 10 & PSAT/NMSQT | Grade 6 |
|---|---|
| EBRW | 620 |
| Math | 630 |
| Total | 1250 |
ACT Assessement (ACT)
Davidson Academy accepts test results from the ACT.
Qualified applicants must provide score reports that meet or exceed at least 3 out of 5 scores of those indicated in the following table.
| ACT | Grade 6 |
|---|---|
| English | 28 |
| Math | 27 |
| Reading | 30 |
| Science Reasoning | 25 |
| Composite | 27 |
For Grades 4 and 5: Optional Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
We have partnered with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) to offer a Davidson-specific version of the ITBS. The only version of the ITBS accepted by the Davidson Academy is the Davidson-specific test offered through CTD. More information and registration.
| ITBS | Minimum Score Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Reading | 311 |
| Written Expression | 332 |
| Math | 305 |
| Science | 318 |
Previously Applied?
Applicants who have previously applied, and were declined admission, may reach out to applications@davidsonacademy.unr.edu for instructions about necessary documentation and testing needed to reapply.
Step-by-Step Guide on Testing
If this is your first time testing for giftedness, we have many resources available through the Davidson Institute that will help prepare you for the process.
Find Testing in your Area
In addition to these resources, please use How To Get Your Child Tested For Giftedness as a guide to find testing in your area.
Grades 7 and Above
If you are looking for eligibility requirements for grades 7 and above, please refer to the other eligibility requirements listed on the Grades 7 Above page.
Contact Us & FAQ
For testing requirement questions, please contact applications@davidsonacademy.unr.edu.
Find answers to common eligibility questions on the Application + Admission FAQs page.